2011 Ford F-250 Super Duty

Review

Finally, the 2011 Ford F-250 Super Duty has brought comfort and responsiveness to a heavy-duty workhorse. Of course, it still has the same horsepower, torque, and towing rating that Ford trucks are famous for. The new F-250 uses a modified steering geometry to take better advantage of an innovative, twin I-beam construction that combines a durable, solid-axle suspension with the performance of an independent suspension. This approach provides a smooth, comfortable ride without compromising the towing capacity or payload. While this pickup still won't feel like riding in a car, it's a definite improvement over the stiffer suspensions of the past.

Specifications

• Pricing: car pricing starts at $28,995
• Engine: 6.7-liter, 390 horsepower Power Stroke turbocharged diesel; 6.2-liter, 385 hp V8
• Truck safety features: antilock brakes with brake assist, tire pressure monitoring, hill descent control. Options include side airbags and side air curtains.
• Drive: 6-Speed Automatic, 2WD or 4WD
• Warranty: three-year/36,000 mile basic warranty; five-year/60,000 mile powertrain warranty; five years corrosion coverage; five-year/60,000 miles roadside assistance

Performance Features

The 2011 Ford F-250 Super Duty offers two new engines. If you prefer to stick with gas, the older 5.4 liter engine has been replaced with a beefier 6.2 liter, 16-valve V-8 gasoline engine. It has a full 385 horsepower rating at 5500 rpm and 405 lb-ft at 4500 rpm of torque. This engine has been matched with the new Torqshift six-speed automatic transmission. Amazingly, this powerful combination has actually reduced fuel consumption by 15% over last year's model. For the diesel lovers, Ford has completely redesigned this engine as well. Instead of continuing their relationship with Navistar, Ford brought this engineering project in-house. Ford now has its own Powerstroke diesel engine rated at 390 horsepower at 2800 rpm and a full 745 lb-ft of torque at 1600 rpm. Those who love the look and feel of a stick will be disappointed. Ford doesn't offer a manual transmission in any of their latest Super Duty models including the 2011 Ford F-250.

Interior Features

Like previous F-250's, the 2011 model offers several different interior configurations including the regular cab, super cab, and crew cab. The more comfortable F-150 seats have been added to the F-250 for increased comfort. The roomy console, or contractor's desk, has 60% more room and offers the ultimate in flexibility with 70 possible configurations. With a 12V connection inside the console and another one on the back, multiple laptops can be operated turning the cab into a office-on-the-road. The new 4.2-inch LCD display screen offers the driver instant access to informative data including fuel economy, exterior temperatures, and trailer connections. It will even allow the owner to track mileage for several different trailers. If you tend to misplace your tools and equipment from time to time, the Ford Work Solutions option will more than pay for itself. This useful feature actually keeps track of your tools and equipment.

Summary

The F-250 has been a favorite of both landowners and contractors for years, and this truck won't be an exception. While some models have increased in price slightly, many versions of the 2011 Ford F-250 Super Duty still cost the same as last year's models. With the vast improvements made in the new design, the new F-250 owner will be getting a bargain. The 2011 Ford F-250 Super Duty is a massive truck. If you don't need the power, buyers will probably want to stick to the less-expensive light duty pickup trucks.